Friday, June 20, 2014

A Divine Journey

As
soon as I read the topic, my mind began reeling through all of the trips I have
had, and I have enjoyed. The usual trips I have enjoyed have been to Kerala, as
my grandparents are settled there; but then there have been some awesome ones
to the north as well. But something to blog about, and something new, and
something different and unique. I know just the trip I must write about.

The
best trips are the ones which are the most impromptu. So, last March, I was just
through with some exams, and there was Holi coming up, and holidays! With no
existing plans, and an empty head, I was just looking for some place to visit,
when my dad came up with a cracker! That night, we packed stuff, tried to force
mother to come along, and then with a sly smile slept off, thanking the Lord profusely.

The
next day we were off to a destination, which in our last trip had given a lot
to cherish- Nathdwara. Located in Rajasthan, this place is a holy destination and
one of my favorites.

It
was peak season, but still we had somehow managed to procure tickets, accommodation
and all of those things we require for a short trip. As most people would say, including
me, such a trip would be one of the most boring things to blog about. I would usually
do that, but not this trip.

This
was one of the most divine experiences and one of the best Holis I would have
enjoyed till that day in life. The holy gulaal which had minutes ago been used
on the idols of Lord, was thrown into the crowd which was swaying like a flower
in the wind. Some experiences cannot be explained and felt by just the use of
words, and this was one of them. Unique in itself, the scene left me mesmerized
completely, the red of the gulaal lining my face, as the people around me
climbed onto the barriers to get a single glimpse of the idol. Such was the
glory of the stationary deity.

Another
of the classic experiences occurred on the journey back home. Finally exasperated
by the chatter of the other people around, and tired after the long day, I got
onto the berth only to find it coated with a thick layer of dust. Complaints to
the ticket checker were to no avail, and with anger boiling in me, I stood at
the door, the cool air blowing into my face.

Much
to the surprise of my dad and my fellow passengers, I walked the length of the
platform and made a complaint to the station master to have my berth cleaned. Even
I didn’t know I followed such rules and protocol, not at that time. Looks of shock
greeted me as I reached back to my seat, and as I told them what I had done,
they were shocked and at first believed (a part of me did too) that there would
be no action taken. But then it took place, and I got a clean place to sleep.

Here
are some images of what usually takes place during Holi at Nathdwara.

Credits: hotelshreevilas.com

PS:
The place is visited by people from all over the nation, and people of all
castes, creed, and religions and they all live in harmony and without sharing a
bad word over any discrepancies. The place is one of the few which works to
join millions of hearts together. The trip was a real #JodeyDilonKo experience
for me.